West Virginia man sentenced to 188 months in prison for fentanyl trafficking

CLARKSBURG, WV (LOOTPRESS) – Price Javon Patterson, 37, of Parkersburg, West Virginia, was sentenced Thursday to 188 months in federal prison for possession with intent to distribute 40 grams or more of fentanyl.

The case against Patterson began when he was stopped for speeding, and officers detected the smell of marijuana coming from his vehicle.

A search of the car led to the discovery of cash and other items linked to drug trafficking.

Following this, officers obtained a warrant to search Patterson’s motel room, where they found a ghost gun, ammunition, and thousands of fentanyl stamps with an estimated street value of $50,000.

Due to Patterson’s extensive criminal record, which includes prior convictions for assault, firearms possession, and drug trafficking, he was classified as a career offender.

After serving his sentence, Patterson will be placed on four years of supervised release.

The case was prosecuted by Assistant U.S. Attorney Brandon Flower, with the investigation conducted by the Greater Harrison Drug Task Force, a HIDTA-funded initiative, and the Bridgeport Police Department.

Chief U.S. District Judge Thomas S. Kleeh presided over the sentencing.